Dutch community in Ghana celebrate Kingâ??s Day

King’s Day, a Dutch national holiday to mark the birthday of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, was celebrated in Accra.

The residence of the Netherlands ambassador hosted Dutch citizens in Ghana and their associates, companies of Dutch origin and Ghanaian special guests among others.


The Ambassador of the Netherlands, Mr. Hans Docter said his country shares a lot of similarities with Ghana which makes it prudent to celebrate Dutch activities in Ghana.


He said 2014 is a special year for the Dutch as it marks 200 years of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and also their constitution which would be celebrated by events in the Netherlands and also in Ghana with the Netherlands Institute of Multi-Party Democracy.


Mr. Hans Docter added that the focus of the celebration this year will be on constitutional reforms since it’s vital to the common belief shared by both countries being constitutional government and Rule of Law.

He expressed pleasure with the growth in business for both countries. He said the Netherlands investments in Ghana and mutual trade grew to one and half billion euros this year combined and believes there would be more growth with the improvement of economic fundamentals in Ghana.


The Minister of Employment and Social Welfare, Nii Armah Ashietey, who led the government delegation in attendance, congratulated the Monarch and people of the Netherlands for celebrating the Kingdom.


He expressed appreciation to the Dutch government for the continuing support received by Ghana including assistance in the implementation of the School feeding programme, Tamale teaching hospital rehabilitation and the supply of biometric devices for Ghana’s Election in 2012 among others.


He assured that Ghana’s doors are “open for mutually beneficial trade and investment relations and cooperation”.